DeLeon thanks commissioners for backing at crucial time

Tuesday

Jul 8, 2014 at 3:00 PM

The Otero County Commissioners met in regular session at InspirationField on Monday. They received the thanks of Johnnie DeLeon, the chief executive officer of InspirationField, for their support on the Department of Local Affairs grant which tipped the scale for the financing of the ambitious project of the new headquarters.

Bette McFarrenbmcfarren@ljtdmail.com

The Otero County Commissioners met in regular session at InspirationField on Monday. They received the thanks of Johnnie DeLeon, the chief executive officer of InspirationField, for their support on the Department of Local Affairs grant which tipped the scale for the financing of the ambitious project of the new headquarters. InspirationField Chairman of the Board John Gallegos thanked the commissioners and also the schools and citizens of Otero County who treat disabled persons with kindness and courtesy. An InspirationField client also came forward to express her appreciation. Commissioner Kevin Karney thanked CEO Johnnie DeLeon and the InspirationField board of directors for their vision and persistence in pursuing the goal of the excellent present facility.

The next speaker was Barbara Leininger, representing the Southeast Colorado Private Property Rights Council. She expressed opposition to the commissioners' position of opposing blanket adoption of a National Heritage Area but allowing a feasibility study, which they had supported. She and others who spoke for the group wanted the commissioners to adopt a resolution opposing the National Heritage Area, as they said other counties had done. Karney said Bent County's resolution had opposed a blanket adoption of the National Heritage area. Commissioner Keith Goodwin said he would like to hear from the other side of the question. The property rights people denied there was another side, other than persons connected with the federal government.

Despite a very long session intended to persuade the commissioners to adopt a resolution on the spot doing away with the feasibility study, the commissioners took the matter under advisement. The group promised to return until they accomplished their goal.